A panel of celebrity judges all with their own connection to the film industry in Australia descended upon Broken Hill this past weekend for the Perfect Light Film Festival.
Director Frank Lotito, actor Charlotte Chimes, and Dr Jessica Byrne spent plenty of time engaging with the local community and keen filmmakers at events over the three days and were even able to take some time to see the sights of the Far West.
A former local, Dr Byrne returned to the town where she grew up, telling the Barrier Truth it was a pleasure to return to the Silver City and be part of such a special event which she too has had history with.
“It has been an absolute privilege to come back to Broken Hill. I mean, Broken Hill is a place that has really shaped who I am in the screen industry as both a Screen Practitioner and a Development Investment Manager at Screen Australia,” she said.
“Broken Hill has such a long and strong history of incredible stories and storytellers and I think this weekend is a testament to the talent that we have out here. It’s been a couple of years since I’ve been here, but what better way to come back and be a part of the Perfect Light film Festival.”
Known for directing Australian films such as Growing Up Smith and Wog Boys Forever, the latter of which was screened at the Silver City Cinema and followed by a Q&A on Friday night, Frank Lotito said he really loved spending time in Broken Hill, vowing his first time wouldn’t be his last.
“You hear all the stories, especially about films being shot here like Mad Max and about the landscape, and those stories don’t do it justice because you come here and it’s a whole other level,” he told the Barrier Truth.
“I just love the landscape, and I love the people. Everyone’s so friendly and we had such a great time, really accommodating. I feel like the short films, especially the ones that are made here, are really high quality, just really lovely.”
Charlotte Chimes, known not least for appearing in more than 450 episodes of Australian soap opera Neighbours, said coming from a small country town in Queensland, she felt right at home in Broken Hill, citing the town’s friendliness.
“I’ve absolutely had an amazing time coming to Broken Hill. I’ve heard so many fantastic stories from friends who’ve worked on projects here, not only about how beautiful it is but how full the culture is, just full of arts,” she says.
“We’ve gone camel riding, we saw the sunset at Mundi Mundi, and then some incredible short films. All in all, a brilliant weekend.”
Festival Director, Steve Bastoni, told the Barrier Truth he appreciated the three judges contributing their knowledge and craft towards the weekend, as well as the filmmakers who entered into the festival and who had travelled great distances to attend the event.
“They really appreciate the countryside and the people and the hospitality, and they got to see some great touristy stuff,” he said.
“The great thing too was, we had five filmmakers from interstate come down and attend so the word is getting out about this little film festival and hopefully it’ll keep growing.”
